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Later start times for schools should be a topic for discussion

The Lowell Sun

Updated:
04/03/2018 07:47:46 AM EDT

One often debated topic in school districts is the issue of the proper starting time for high schools and middle schools. Ever since the 1990s, multiple studies have been released which detail correlations between later starting times and better academic performance, decreased tardiness, and increased safety. In 2014, both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Disease Control recommended that no high school or middle school in the country begin earlier than 8:30 am. Yet in 2014, 93 percent of high schools and 83 percent of middle schools in the U.S. started before 8:30 a.m. Why such a high percentage? There are a few reasons, namely the fear that students would go to bed later if their wakeup time were delayed, and the fact that it could not happen due to sports schedules.

Many athletes and parents go up in arms when they hear about later starting times because sports, which take place after school, would end an hour later. For example, Chelmsford High School's track practice is currently from 2-4: p.m., but if school ended an hour later, practice would end around 5 p.m. Most families have dinner around this time, meaning that sports would occur when most people would be spending time with their families.

However, sports schedules should not be a limiting factor. There have been sports leagues, like the Middlesex Sports League in the Metrowest area of Boston, which have collectively agreed to delay their schedules in order to allow schools later starting times.

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Some people argue that change in their district is unfavorable due to sports, expenses, or a general unwillingness, but in reality these claims are unsubstantiated. Evidence shows that later starting times have positive impacts, and whether change happens is up to everyone. Progress cannot be made from idleness and the avoidance of debate. We encourage you to talk to your elected reps on local committees and make your voice known. We must ask ourselves whether the current system we have now is the best system for our students.

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